Frequently Asked Questions

The PrintrBot 3D printer uses a process known as fused deposition modeling (FDM) where a plastic filament is heated and extruded to form layers of plastic. These horizontal plastic layers create a 3d object, much like building a stack of pancakes or a layer cake.

When printing on the PrintrBots, use PLA plastic only. While the printers have used ABS plastic in the past, we’ve found that ABS does not work well in the PrintrBots. ABS plastic melts at a higher temperature than PLA, and the PrintrBots have to strain to melt the ABS. This results in clogging the print heads and damaging the printers.

Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a plant-based, biodegradable plastic. When it melts, it gives off fewer fumes than ABS plastic and it tends to warp less. It melts between 150-160°C (302-320°F) PLA also has a shinier appearance than ABS, which is typically more matte in appearance.

Unlike ABS, which bends under pressure, PLA tends to snap. (It is, however, quite a strong material!) For more information, the UM3D lab has Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on all of the materials used in our lab.

Yes– to an extent. Imagine a model of a person standing straight up with their arms to their side. The PrinterBot could print this without problem, layering plastic layers on top of each other. Now imagine a model of a person with their arms out to their sides. The PrintrBot could print this, too, but only if supports are turned “on” when preparing a model in the Cura software prior to printing.

The supports created by the PrintrBot will usually snap right off. Using a sharp X-Acto knife, needle nose pliers, or snips seems to work best to remove a raft from the bottom of your part. (Should you do this, work carefully and with caution!) Additional plastic can then be sanded or filed off.

If you want to print cleaner overhangs, consider using using the 3DLab’s Dimension Elite FDM printer; it prints supports using a separate material which dissolves after printing. (No trimming, cutting, or sanding required.)

There is a computer in the UM3D Lab near the middle of the lab that is delegated for PrintrBot use; it has the Cura software pre-loaded on it. This computer is available on a first-come first-serve basis during UM3D Lab hours.

First, look at your CAD model and look at its edges– does it look “closed”? Are the edges showing the ‘interior’ of the object? (Imagine a smashed cardboard box where the edges don’t meet up.) If so, this will be a problem for printing: re-work your part to have closed edges, or consult your program’s help menu.

Some programs like Rhino allow you to see if your part is closed, or watertight– if it is, chances are it will print! For more information on how to fix or alter parts, check out the UM3D Lab’s Magics tutorials

The Cube 3 is a self-service machine– this means you don’t have to pay to use it, but you are also responsible for learning how to use the machine. The Cube uses PLA plastic, a compostable plant-based plastic. It prints in the lowest resolution (around 0.2 mm) of any of the UM3D Lab 3D Printers. The Cube 3D printers are only available to University of Michigan students, faculty and staff.

No. While you are responsible for learning how to use the machine, sometimes problems arise– the consultants at the UM3D Lab are only a quick jaunt away; they are familiar with the Cube and are happy to answer any questions you may have.